Holiday Hair Survival Guide: Protecting Natural Hair & Wigs During Winter Weather

The holidays are a time for family, celebrations, cozy nights — and often, cold winter weather that can wreak havoc on natural hair, wigs, and protective styles. For African American women with textured hair or wig investments, the winter season can bring dryness, brittleness, shrinkage, static, and breakage unless you up your hair care game.

That’s why I’m sharing a Holiday Hair Survival Guide that will help you deeply moisturize, protect, and maintain your curls or wigs all winter long — using top-quality hair care products available at BeautyBarSupply.com.

✨ Why Winter Is Hard on Natural Hair & Wigs

Winter weather — with cold outdoor air and dry indoor heat — strips moisture from hair and scalp. Natural curls and coils, already prone to dryness, become brittle. Wigs and extensions (synthetic or human hair) also lose moisture and become rough, tangled, or dull.

Without the right hair care routine:

• Hair becomes dry, brittle, and prone to breakage

• Wigs lose luster and can tangle or mat easily

• Tight styles and edges may suffer from dryness and tension

• Moisture loss can lead to frizz, shrinkage, and an unhealthy appearance

To fight winter dryness, your hair needs extra hydration, sealing, protection — and consistent care.

Step 1: Cleanse Gently to Retain Moisture

Deep cleansing is important — especially after styling or protective styles — but avoid harsh shampoos that strip hair of its natural oils. Instead, opt for a moisture-rich, gentle shampoo that nourishes while cleansing.

One great pick is the African Pride Moisture Miracle Honey & Coconut Oil Nourish & Shine Shampoo. This shampoo uses a blend of honey and coconut oil to deeply hydrate natural curls and coils while washing away buildup — leaving hair soft, nourished, and with a natural shine.

Use this shampoo about once a week (or every 2–3 weeks if you have a protected style) — but follow up with a conditioning treatment right away.

Step 2: Deep Condition Weekly (or Biweekly)

In winter, deep conditioning should be your best friend. A weekly or biweekly deep-conditioning session can restore lost moisture, increase elasticity, and make styling much easier.

Consider the Honey's Handmade Honey Healthy Hydration Hair Mask. It uses natural humectants like honey (which draws moisture into the hair) and butters/ oils to revive dry, brittle coils — leaving hair soft, supple, and easier to manage.

Pro tip: After applying the mask, cover your hair with a plastic cap and sit under a hooded dryer or use gentle heat to help the mask penetrate deeply.

Step 3: Lock In Moisture With a Leave-In Conditioner

Once hair is clean and conditioned, seal in moisture with a lightweight leave-in that won’t weigh curls down.

The African Pride Moisture Miracle Coconut Milk & Honey Leave-In Conditioner is a winter essential. Its blend of coconut milk and African honey replenishes moisture, softens hair, and adds shine — leaving curls manageable and defined even in dry winter air. 

Apply to damp hair after washing or spritz with water and re-apply lightly between washes to freshen up curls, twists, or protective styles.

Step 4: Seal & Style With Butter, Oil, or Mousse

Sealing moisture is just as important as adding it — especially when you’re dealing with cold, dry air. Use a cream, butter, or light mousse to lock in hydration and protect your ends.

If your hair tends to get dry and coarse in winter, try OBIA Sweet Almond Heavy Cream. This rich moisturizing cream penetrates deeply into coarse hair, leaving it soft and easy to style — great for twist-outs, braid-outs, or daily moisture maintenance.

For lighter, more natural styles or for sealing without heaviness, a mousse such as ORS Olive Oil Hold & Shine Wrap/Set Mousse helps hold your style while adding shine and moisture — ideal if you wear a weave, braid-out, or a soft set during the holidays.

Step 5: Give Your Wigs Some Extra TLC

If you’re wearing wigs or sew-ins this winter, those units need moisture, too. Washing and conditioning them regularly will keep them soft, tangle-free, and looking natural.

After washing a synthetic or human-hair wig, you can treat it with a gentle conditioner or a maintenance spray (make sure to use products safe for synthetic hair if applicable), then store it on a mannequin head or silk/satin stand to minimize friction and protect from winter dryness.

While you care for your wig, don’t forget to continue moisturizing your natural hair underneath — to keep your scalp healthy and avoid breakage.

Step 6: Night-Time Protection & Gentle Styling

Cold winter nights and friction from hats or scarves can quickly dry hair. Always tie your hair back or wear a satin bonnet or scarf before bed, or before putting on a beanie, winter hat, or hood. Satin-lined caps are also a great hack to prevent breakage and maintain moisture.

When styling (ponytails, braids, wigs), avoid styles that pull too tightly or pull on edges — especially when hair is brittle from the cold. Try to give edges a break and keep tension minimal during styling sessions.

Step 7: Maintain a Regular Moisture Routine

Winter dryness isn’t a one-and-done — maintaining moisture requires consistency. Here’s a simple rhythm to follow during the holiday season:

• Wash + deep condition once every 1–2 weeks with a moisturizing shampoo and hair mask

• Use leave-in conditioner and sealing cream or mousse after every wash

• Refresh hair weekly (or more often, if needed) with a light spritz of water + leave-in + sealant for protective styles like twists, braids, or wigs

• Night-time protection is a must (satin bonnet or scarf)

• Trim ends regularly to avoid breakage and split ends — winter breakage adds up fast

Final Thoughts

Winter should not mean a break for your hair care — especially if you want strong, moisturized, healthy, natural hair or well-maintained wigs going into the holiday season.

By using the right products — like African Pride’s moisturizing shampoo & leave-in, Honey’s Handmade deep mask, and nourishing creams such as OBIA Sweet Almond Heavy Cream — you give your curls, coils, or wigs the hydration, nourishment, and protection they need against winter’s dryness.

Stay consistent, keep the moisture flowing, and enjoy the holidays with hair that’s soft, shiny, and ready for every celebration.